Application of Smart Microgels Fabricated by Microfluidic Methods in Cancer Medicine 1400-AoSMF-OG

Lecture
The lectures focus on intelligent polymeric microgels and their applications as carriers for anticancer drugs. Key properties of microgels, the types of polymers used, and crosslinking agents essential for their synthesis will be discussed. Students will learn about phase transition mechanisms and phenomena such as lower and upper critical solution temperatures (LCST/UCST). Special attention will be given to the sensitivity of microgels to environmental stimuli, such as pH, temperature, and the presence of glutathione, as well as the mechanisms underlying these responses. The lectures will also cover the differences between microgels and macroscopic gels, along with their potential applications, particularly as drug carriers. Students will be introduced to the mechanisms of drug binding to microgels and their controlled release. Additionally, the unique conditions within cancer cells, the role of glutathione in the body, and its elevated concentration in cancer cells will be examined. Methods for synthesizing microgels using microfluidic techniques and techniques for studying their properties, such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, microscopy, and cytotoxicity analysis, will also be addressed.
Laboratory
The laboratory sessions are dedicated to hands-on learning in the synthesis and analysis of environmentally responsive microgels. Students will independently synthesize pH-responsive microgels using microfluidic techniques. During the sessions, they will learn to prepare microfluidic chips, operate microflow pumps, and use high-speed cameras to visualize the microgel formation process. In the laboratory, students will investigate the size changes of microgels under various environmental conditions using optical microscopy. They will also learn methods for loading drugs into microgels and determining drug loading efficiency. Drug release studies, including cumulative release analysis, will be performed using UV-Vis spectroscopy. Most tasks will be carried out independently or in small teams, fostering teamwork skills and the critical analysis of results. Additionally, students will be trained in laboratory safety and the proper interpretation of experimental data.

Type of course

general courses

Course coordinators

Marcin Maćkiewicz

Learning outcomes

Knowledge
Understands the significance of experiments as the foundation for scientific understanding of natural phenomena and demonstrates knowledge of basic research tools and laboratory techniques. (K_W02)
Has knowledge of the structure and properties of basic polymers. (K_W03)
Knows the principles of occupational safety, hygiene, and ergonomics to ensure safe work in the laboratory. (K_W17)
Skills
Is able to apply basic research techniques and explain their principles of operation. (K_U01)
Can interpret experimental results, perform critical analysis, and document them accurately in English at a B2+ level. (K_U03, K_U07)
Is capable of designing and conducting simple experiments using microfluidic techniques under supervision. (K_U05)
Social Competencies
Understands the need for teamwork in the laboratory and respects the work of others. (K_K01, K_K03)
Demonstrates responsibility for entrusted equipment and materials and adheres to principles of research ethics. (K_K05, K_K07)

Assessment criteria

Attendance at laboratory sessions (minimum 85%).
Group work and preparation of a report on the conducted experiments.

Bibliography

M. Mackiewicz, K. Kaniewska, J.
Romanski, E. Augustin, Z. Stojek, M.
Karbarz, Stable and degradable microgels
linked with cystine for storing and
environmentally triggered release of drugs,

Journal of Materials Chemistry B, 3, 2015,
7262-7270.
2. A. Sheikhi, J. de Rutte, R. Haghnia, O.
Akouissi, A. Sohrabi, D. Di Carlo, A.
Khademhosseini, Microfluidic-enabled
bottom-up hydrogels from annealable
naturally derived protein microbeads,
Biomaterials, 192, 2019, 560–568.

Additional information

Information on level of this course, year of study and semester when the course unit is delivered, types and amount of class hours - can be found in course structure diagrams of apropriate study programmes. This course is related to the following study programmes:

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 1400-AoSMF-OG in USOSweb